Jobike partners with DMTCL for Metro bicycle sharing

Jobike, an app-based micro-mobility service provider in Bangladesh, has signed an agreement with Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) to introduce app-based bicycle sharing at Metro Rail stations along Line-6.

Mehedi Reza, founder and CEO of Jobike, and Nasir Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, general manager of DMTCL, signed the agreement in Dhaka recently.

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At the event, Me hedi said nearly 400,000 passengers use the Metro Rail every day, creating significant demand for first- and last-mile transport solutions, according to a press release.

“Right now, for the first mile and last mile, we do not have enough solutions except rickshaws. Jobike can play a vital role here as an alternative mode of transportation that is healthy, convenient and affordable,” he said.

He also called for government support to develop dedicated bicycle lanes to make Dhaka more bicycle-friendly and help address traffic congestion and air pollution.

The partnership fulfils a key promise in the government’s election manifesto to introduce app-based bicycle sharing at metro stations.

The service will begin with a six-month pilot programme, during which Jobike will deploy 150 to 300 pedal bicycles at three stations -- Uttara North, Uttara Center and Uttara South.

The initial service will cater to nearby communities, including residents of the Rajuk Uttara Apartment Project and Uttara Rupayan City, employees at the Dhaka Metro Depot, and students of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, World University of Bangladesh and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology.

Jobike plans to add more parking hubs as demand grows before expanding the service to other stations on Line-6.

Users can locate bicycles at designated Metro station parking areas or connected neighbourhood hubs, scan a QR code through the Jobike app to unlock a bicycle and leave it at any designated parking area after completing their trip.

The service will cost Tk 2 initially, followed by Tk 1 per minute of use.

Md Usman Gani, marketing manager of DMTCL; Rakibul Hasan, assistant manager; Sharif Khan, business director of Jobike; and Sha Newaz, head of operations, along with other officials from both organisations, were also present.